Facility named after former Water Quality Manager Dr. Michael McGuire, who helped make Metropolitan a world leader in water quality
The facility where Metropolitan Water District monitors the quality of its drinking water and conducts research to protect the safety of water supplies delivered across Southern California was renamed today in honor of former Director of Water Quality Dr. Michael J. McGuire.
Metropolitan officials came together with McGuire and his friends and family at the Water Quality Lab in La Verne to dedicate the facility in his honor. McGuire was a driving force behind the construction of the current lab, which had been previously housed within other Metropolitan facilities. He also helped establish Metropolitan as a global leader in the field of water quality.
“Naming this Water Quality Lab in Dr. McGuire’s honor is not only a recognition of his personal achievements, but also a testament to the deep and enduring impact he has had on Metropolitan’s mission and the communities we serve,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr.
“It also underscores our commitment to communicating to the public why they should trust their tap water,” Ortega added.
McGuire’s career at Metropolitan began as a water quality engineer in the Water Quality Branch in 1979, five years after the Safe Drinking Water Act was enacted and water providers were tasked with meeting higher standards to ensure drinking water quality. In 1986, he became director of water quality before his promotion to assistant general manager in 1990. He retired from the district in 1992.
“Our mission was 100% compliance with drinking water regulations. We did applied research that not only ensured compliance, but also helped shape the regulations,” McGuire said.
Dr. McGuire’s leadership elevated water quality within Metropolitan, expanding Water Quality from a branch to a division to better respond to evolving state and federal regulations. He recruited top engineers and scientists to conduct research and develop cutting edge technologies. And then, needing a larger, more sophisticated testing facility, he led the effort to build the dedicated Water Quality Laboratory in 1985 and a $20 million Oxidation Demonstration Facility that was used for large-scale testing of ozone disinfection prior to its full-scale implementation at each of Metropolitan’s five treatment plants.
His efforts positioned Metropolitan as a national and international leader in water quality. Notably, he oversaw the development of a pioneering method to evaluate the taste and odor of drinking water – not only ensuring it tastes good, but also serving as an early warning of potential issues. Dr. McGuire’s emphasis on research and collaboration influenced emerging regulations and improved treatment methods across the industry.
Metropolitan General Manager Deven Uphadyay said McGuire’s efforts helped position the organization to tackle the many challenges related to water quality.
“Because of Dr. McGuire and the many men and women who have dedicated their work to protecting the quality of our water, we can ensure that when Southern Californians turn on their taps, what comes out is the highest quality, best-tasting water possible,” Upadhyay said.
“We will continue our commitment in honor of Dr. McGuire, whose vision has helped shape who we are today,” Upadhyay added.
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